The Igbo territory known as Arochukw

The Igbo territory known as Arochukw

The Igbo territory known as Arochukwu, was formally dominated by the Ibibio people who had crossed over from the Benue Valley in 300 AD and founded early states like Obong, Okon ita and Ikom.
Many years after, some Igbo immigrants also came to settle in the Ibibio dominated territory, where they founded 19 villages with the leader known as Eze Aro.
As the Ibibio and the Igbo people grew in number, they began to have minor problems which later grew into bigger one.
There was Tussle for supremacy, which eventually led to the Aro-Ibibio war.
The Igbo leaders formed allies with Nnachi, a powerful priest from Edda clan, near Afikpo,
And the Akpa people near Cross river because of their skillful forgery of firearms.
The Akpa forces which was led by Osim and Akuma Nnubi helped the Aro people capture the territory which was once owned by the Ibibio settlers.
This formed the alliance of both new and old villages in the Area known as Arochukwu Kingdom around 1650 – 1700.
The Arochukwu Kingdom grew very influential and powerful, that they monopolized trade in Eastern Nigeria, Delta areas, Southern Igala and beyond.
The Aro people also prospered in slave trading which was carried out through Ibin Ukpabi ( the long juju/ the drum of the gods in Ibibio ).
The Aro slave raiders and warriors were backed up by Ohafia, Abam, Bende, Abriba and Afikpo.
The Aro reign came to an abrupt end in the 19th Century when the Europeans discovered the barbaric acts carried out through the Ibin Ukpabi shrine.( We have discussed this previously. Search the page for the shrine).
This led to the Anglo – Aro war in 1901 – 1902.
Though the Aro people and their allies fought gallantly,
They were defeated by the Europeans who had more sophisticated weapons and firearms.
The legendary Ibin Ukpabi was destroyed and dominance and power of the Aro people went down the drain.